Last-Minute Gifts to Knit & Crochet

Christmas and Hanukkah are less than two weeks away, but there's still time to bust out a few more handmade gifts for your loved ones. Today we round up a few of our favorite free patterns which can be knitted or crocheted in a jiffy for last-minute holiday gifting!

Quick Knitting Accessories
For a basic hat that will look good on just about anyone, try the 0815 Hat by Stadkindknits. The Flausch Mitts by Kristin Barbato holds two strands of yarn together to make a super-warm pair of fingerless gloves, perfect for using up leftover bits of yarn in your stash. The Polar Bear Mittens by Love Life Yarn would be an adorable gift for children. Try the Snowy Afternoon Cowl for a quick-knitting neck warmer you can make in a day! If you're really pressed for time, the Main Street Chunky Ear Warmer Headband by Michele Costa is a quick pattern you can make in less than a day.

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Quick Crochet Accessories
The Diamonds Slouch Beanie by Jennifer Pionk is sized from Toddler through Adult Large, ensuring everyone on your list will be stylishly warm this winter! If you're looking to use up leftover bits of yarn in your stash, check out the Hump de Bump Beanie by Cre8tion Crochet. Keep hands toasty warm with the Slip Stitch Mittens from Joy of Motion Crochet. The Essen Cowl by Michele Costa features beautiful textured stitches that work up quickly in bulky weight yarn. Make a matching headband using the Essen Chunky Earwarmer crochet pattern by Michele Costa.

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Spa Gifts to Knit & Crochet
A washcloth is a great companion gifts to soaps, bath salts, or scented body wash. We have a free knitting pattern for the Spa-Riffic Wash Cloth found here in our blog archive, or you can try the Vertical Dish Cloth by Cecelia Famelli. For crocheters, try the Farmhouse Spa Set by Sunflower Cottage Crochet for a variety of spa-related patterns to make, or the Sakura Face Scrubbies by K.A.M.E. Crochet for a colorful option. Round things out by knitting a Lash Sleeping Mask by Arianna Frasca or crocheting a Deluxe Beauty Sleep Mask by Rhondda Mol.

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Holiday Ornaments & Decor
These smaller projects are quick to knit or crochet and full of holiday cheer! Use up leftover bits of yarn to  whip up some pretty ornaments for your holiday display, or to add the perfect finishing touch to your gifts. For knitters, try Jul by Anniken Allis or Tiny Tree Ornaments by Cate Carter-Evans; for crocheters, check out the Christmas Baubles pattern from Thoresby Cottage or the adorable Penguin Ornament from Spin a Yarn Crochet. No matter what you celebrate, you can't go wrong with pretty snowflakes and stars! Try Vickie Howell's Crocheted Sock Yarn Snowflakes or the knit a few stars using the Luxury Holiday Garland pattern by Kristin Ashbaugh-Helmreich. 

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We look forward to seeing what holiday crafts you make with Knitter's Pride needles and hooks, make sure to use the #knitterspride hashtag in your posts!

If you need a few last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers, we have some suggestions! Small notions such as stitch markers, cable needles, repair hooks, circular needle protectors and row counter rings are all excellent choices, and you can find them at your nearest Knitter's Pride retailer. Happy holidays from all of us at Knitter's Pride!

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2019 Knitter's Pride Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday countdown has begun, and now is the perfect time to start planning your holiday shopping, or perhaps drop a few hints to loved ones. Today, we share some of our top picks to give and get this holiday season - there's truly something for everyone on your list!

Knitting Needle & Crochet Hook Sets

An interchangeable needle set is sure to delight any knitter, and this year we've created the ultimate holiday gift set featuring SmartStix, our knitting needles which also double as a ruler to measure your work! This luxe set includes a velvet roll to keep your needles organized, and a beautifully-made carrying case that can also be used as a project bag or cross-body purse.

We offer many more gift-worthy interchangeable sets, too - click here to view them all on our website!

If you prefer other needle styles, our Ginger sets features the most complete range of sizes, thoughtfully packaged in deluxe cases you'll love. We offer Single Point and Double Point knitting needle sets (shown above) as well as a Tunisian Crochet Set (shown below).

If you prefer single ended crochet hooks, we offer sets in our Dreamz, Zing and Waves ranges, but for something truly special, we recommend the luxury Symfonie Rosewood gift set shown below. Each crochet hook features a genuine crystal to add a bit of sparkle and sophistication to your crafting!

Yarn Management
Knitters and crocheters alike will appreciate our beautiful options for winding and dispensing yarn. Our Signature Swift and Wool Winder (shown below) efficiently winds hanks of yarn into cakes that are easy to work from, and will add a colorful touch to any craft room.

We also offer wooden yarn dispensers, yarn bowls & boxes to keep caked yarns safe while you work - click here to see all of our options.

Colorful Accessories
Our new Rainbow Row Counter Rings (shown below) are a colorful way to keep track of your knitting or crochet patterns as you work. We now offer even more size options in this mesmerizing new color!

Rainbow Knit Blockers (shown below) are another colorful accessory that is as functional as it is fun! This revolutionary tool is designed to speed up the blocking process for knitters & crocheters alike, and now it has a playful new look. Each set includes ten different colors to make blocking your next project faster.

Beautiful Bags
You don't need to be a knitter or crocheter to enjoy our Joy, Reverie or Grace fabric zipper bags!  Available in a range of sizes, these bags feature designs which are printed by hand. Non-crafters can use these bags for toiletries, jewelry, pens and pencils (and more!) while crafters will appreciate this attractive way to keep notions and small projects organized. Shown below are our Joy bags; click here to view more options on our website!

Support your Local Yarn Store (LYS)! All of these products (and more!) are available at authorized Knitter's Pride retailers throughout North America; click here to find the one nearest you!

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2019 Fall Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo to our fall photo contest! We enjoyed seeing what everyone is making with their favorite Knitter's Pride needles, hooks and accessories.

We are pleased to share the winning photos which were randomly selected to win the following prizes:

Grand Prize: - C.S. has won a SmartStix Deluxe Interchangeable Set for sharing this photo of their Zing DPNs in action!

Amanda W.'s hat WIP on Royale fixed circulars.

Samantha A.'s autumn cables

Runners-Up: Amanda W. and Samantha A. will receive a SmartStix fixed circular or DPN needle in the size of their choosing.

We will contact all winners via email to arrange for the delivery of their prizes. Don't forget to keep sharing your photos of your fave Knitter's Pride products in action here on Ravelry or on Instagram using the #knitterspride hashtag for your chance to be featured!

Free Knitting Pattern: Triangle Rib Baby Hat by Heidi Gustad

This month, we're pleased to feature Heidi Gustad of Hands Occupied, who shares a FREE baby hat knitting pattern for our Fall/Winter Charity KCAL! Knit one, two or a whole bunch of little hats babies in need; you can contact your local hospital to inquire about current needs and requirements, or send your donations to Wool Aid, where they will be given to those who need them most.

Heidi is a knitting, crochet and crafts Designer and former Librarian. She first learned to knit at age 8 from a grandmother who saw in her a need for something to keep her busy. Her obsession with primary colors and clean lines can be seen throughout her work. You can keep up with her designs and more by following her blog and searching your favorite social network for handsoccupied. Don’t forget to share your finished knits online with #handsoccupied and #kpcharityKCAL.

Keep reading for KAL details, including your chance to win some great prizes from Knitter's Pride! 

Triangle Rib Baby Hat by Heidi Gustad

YARN

Shepherd’s Lamb Rambouillet Yarn (100% Organic Wool; Sport Weight) in Razzleberry

NEEDLES

US 5 (3.75 mm) double pointed or appropriate circular needles

NOTIONS

• scissors
• yarn needle
• stitch marker (optional)

FINISHED SIZE

Hat measures 13” (33 cm) from in circumference and 5.5“ (14 cm) in height.

GAUGE

approx. 18 sts and 28 rows = 4” [10 cm]

Abbreviations

( ) repeat instructions as indicated between the parenthesis
CO cast on
sts stitches
rnd round
k knit
k2tog knit 2 sts together
p purl
p2tog purl 2 sts together
rep repeat
rep from * to end repeat instructions following the asterisk as directed

Pattern

CO 60 sts (or any multiple of 4 sts) using a German twisted cast on for stretch and sturdiness.

rnd 1. *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnds 2-6. Rep rnd 1.

rnd 7. p all sts.

rnd 8. k all sts.

rnd 9. *k3, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnd 10. Rep rnd 1.

rnd 11. *k1, p3; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnd 12. p all sts.

rnds 13-15. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 16. *p13, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (56 sts)

rnd 17. *k12, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (52 sts)

rnds 18–20. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 21. *p11, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (48 sts)

rnd 22. *k10, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (44 sts)

rnds 23-25. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 26. *p9, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (40 sts)

rnd 27. *k8, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (36 sts)

rnds 28-30. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 31. *p7, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (32 sts)

rnd 32. *k6, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (28 sts)

rnds 33-35. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 36. *(p1, p2tog) twice, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (20 sts)

rnd 37. *k2, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (15 sts)

rnd 38. *k1, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (10 sts)

rnd 39. *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (5 sts)

Finishing

Break yarn and draw tail through final loops to secure. Tighten to bind off.

For a PDF version of this pattern, visit handsoccupied.com.

Fall/Winter Charity KCAL with Knitter's Pride

Knit or crochet your favorite baby hat pattern (or use the one on this post!) to donate to your local hospital or those in need via Wool Aid; click here for more ideas on finding places where your handmade hats are needed! 

Share your finished hat photos here in our Ravelry group, or post them on Facebook or Instagram using the #KPCharityKCAL hashtag to be entered in our prize drawing: 2 lucky winners will get a Rainbow Row Counter Ring from our new collection!

ANY baby hat finished between November 22, 2019 - January 5, 2020 will be eligible in our prize drawing. We will notify the winners via direct message after January 5. We can't wait to see all of your knitted and crocheted hats! 

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Using Knitter's Pride SmartStix Needles to Level Up your Knitting Game

What makes our new SmartStix needles so smart? These specially-designed needles allow you to...

Save time

Measure stuff

Assess gauge

Reduce clutter

Test weight

No more searching for a tape measure -  no matter where you are, as long as your needles are in your project, you’ve got a way to measure on the go. Today we’re going to share a few more ways to use SmartStix needles to level up your knitting game!

Casting On

When you’re casting on, do you run out of yarn before you have all the stitches you need on the needle? Vicki Howell recently shared her tips and tricks for casting on using the SmartStix needles in her Ask Me Mondays series. What it boils down to is this:

1. Grab the needles and yarn you’re going to use for your project.
2. Figure out how many stitches you’re going to cast on for your swatch or project.
3. Leaving a short tail (to weave in after), start wrapping your yarn around the needle. If you’re knitting a swatch and you’re casting on a small number of stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle a number of times equal to the number of stitches you’re going to cast on. If you’re casting on a larger number of stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle a smaller measurement (ex. 10 times).
   
4. When you’re done, pinch the yarn between your fingers just after the final wrap on the needle.
5. Pull the yarn off the needle. If you wrapped enough yarn for your entire cast on, start the cast on at the point in the yarn that is pinched between your fingers. If you only wrapped a smaller measurement, fold the yarn back and forth on itself as many times as you need to, to get enough yarn for your cast on. (ex. If you wrapped the yarn 10 times for 10 stitches, and you’re casting on 80 stitches, fold the yarn back and forth 8 more times to get enough yarn to cast on those 80 stitches.)
   

See, it’s easy to never run out of yarn on your cast on again!

Swatching

When you’re swatching, your SmartStix can double as a measuring tape so you can see if you’re getting gauge without any other tools! While the stitches are on the needle, you can check the approximate width of the swatch. Are you hitting the right number of stitches per inch? This can be a little tricky if your yarn blooms with washing and blocking, in which case you’ll need to do that before you measure.

Do you need to knit a swatch of a certain length? Use your needle tip to measure the length of your swatch and see if you’ve knit enough!

Once you’ve washed and blocked your swatch (and we always recommend that!) you can also use your needle tips and cords to measure how many stitches and rows you’re getting per inch. Simply lay your needle over the swatch in the appropriate direction and get a quick count. No extra tools necessary!

While Knitting

It is a truth universally acknowledged among knitters that no matter how many measuring tapes you have, there’s never one handy when you need it! But have no fear, SmartStix can help you here too! Measuring the length of a brim on a hat or a cuff on a sock? No problem. Pull the needle tip out of the project and give it a quick check. Checking the length of a sleeve? You can use the cable and the needle tip to measure! You’ve already got a handy “measuring tape” the length of your needle. For example, your 24” needle will have 24 - 1” markings. You can use any part of the needle to measure anything you’d like!

We hope we’ve given you a few tips and tricks to use your SmartStix to level up your knitting game. And if you haven’t tried SmartStix yet, Santa is coming soon! Ask your preferred Knitter's Pride retailer about our 2019 limited edition gift set featuring SmartStix, which you can learn more about in the video below.

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Win Great Prizes in the Knitter's Pride Fall 2019 Photo Contest!

What are your favorite needles, hooks or accessories from Knitter's Pride? We'd love to see what you're making with the latest items from our 2019-20 Collection, as well as your tried-and-true favorites from our extensive family of products.

Share your best photo with us this fall for you chance to win some great prizes! One lucky winner will be selected at random to win a SmartStix Interchangeable needle set, but we'll also be selecting other entries at random to award prizes from our new collection. Let your creativity shine - we look forward to seeing your photos!

You have until Midnight EST on Friday, November 15 to submit your photo - click here for our official entry form to submit your entry and full contest details.

Winners will be notified via email and we'll share the winning entries on our blog and social media channels prior to November 30.

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2019 Limited Edition Holiday Gift Set Featuring SmartStix Needles!

Introducing the 2019 Limited Edition Gift Set from Knitter's Pride, featuring our new SmartStix Needles!

We're pleased to present this clever needle set in a modern carrying case that's multi-purpose: it can be used as clutch, a cross-body bag, a project bag or tool kit - the possibilities are endless! We've used vegan leather, ethically sourced beech wood and nickel-free metal hardware to construct this sturdy bag that's bound to be your new favorite.

But the real treat, of course, is what's inside! Each case contains a plush velvet roll-on and a vegan leather pouch to keep the accessories safe in style.

All 9 pairs of SmartStix Interchangeable Needle Tips and the color-coded cords are marked at every 1" interval for quick measuring on the go.

Each set includes SmartStix tips in sizes US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11 and 4 color coded cords (included in lengths of 1-24"/60cm, 1-32"/80cm & 2- 40"/100cm) & a set of cord connectors.

Treat yourself or your smart knitting friends to this extra-special gift set - it's sure to be at the top of everyone's wish list this year! Sets are available for a limited time at your preferred Knitter's Pride retailer.

Want to leave a not-so-subtle holiday hint for someone? Save this post to Pinterest using the graphic below! 

Free Knitting Pattern: Undaunted Hat

In the last year we have been inspired to knit for charity and one of the causes that has come to our attention is Hat Not Hate, an anti-bullying campaign launched by Lion Brand Yarns in 2018. Lion Brand asks knitters to donate blue knit (and crochet) hats and teams up with schools around the country to distribute hats to students in October of each year for National Bullying Prevention Month.

Though the deadline for 2019 donations has passed, designer Laura Cameron was inspired to create a simple hat pattern in honor of Hat Not Hate. Today we’re sharing this pattern with you so you can knit one for yourself or donate one to a charitable cause near you.

Undaunted

By Laura Cameron

Thecornerofknitandtea.com

Finished measurements: To fit head circumference of 20” (22”)

Gauge: 20 sts & 32 rows = 4 inches St St

Supplies:

• US 6/4 mm and 8/5 mm - 16”/40 cm circular SMARTSTIX needles
• 1 skein TreasureGoddess Treasured Warmth Worsted Weight (100% superwash merino, 218 yards/100 grams), color: Swimming with the Fishes
• Darning needle
• Stitch Marker (to indicate Beginning of Round)
• Blocking Mats
• Nirvana Pom Pom Maker (Optional)

To make hat:

With US 6/4 mm needle, CO 84 (90) sts. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist and place stitch marker to indicate beginning of round.

Brim

Work in (P2, K1) rib until your work measure approximately 1.5”/4 cm from cast on (you can use your SMARTSTIX needles to measure!).

Hat:

Switch to US 8/5 mm needle.

Begin Pattern Stitch:

Rounds 1 & 2: Knit all stitches. 

Round 3: (P2, K1) to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 1-3 until your hat reaches 7 (8)”/18 (20) cm or desired length before working crown.

Crown

Round 1: (K2tog, K4) to end of round. 70 (75) sts.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Round 3: (P1, K1, P2, K1) to end of round.

Round 4: (K2, K2tog, K1) to end of round. 56 (60) sts.

Round 5: (P1, K1) to end of round.

Round 6: (K2tog) to end of round. 28 (30) sts.

Round 7: Knit all stitches.

Round 8: (K2tog) to end of round. 14 (15) sts.

Round 9: (K2tog) to last 0 (1) stitch, K0 (1). 7 (8) sts.

Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, run tail through remaining stitches twice and fasten off.

Pom Pom (optional)

Weave in ends and wash with your favorite fiber wash. We recommend using Knitter’s Pride Blocking Mats to block your hat for the perfect finish.

Allow to dry, then enjoy your new hat or donate to the charitable cause of your choice!

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Fall Crafting Inspiration

Fall is around the corner and we’re feeling the call of our needles and hooks! Today we’ve rounded up some new free patterns to jump start your fall crafting. We hope you’ll find something inspiring and cast on with abandon!

Sweaters

If you’re looking to cuddle up in a sweater we’ve got a ton of options for you! If you’re into colorwork knitting check out the bands on Maj by Rachel Søgaard. If you’d like to add a touch of lace to your fall knitting, try the Beechnut Pullover by Amy Gundersen. If you’d like an oversized fall cardigan that will become a wardrobe staple, we love Maria by Quail Studio. And if you’re still loving those fades, check out the Metamorphic Tee by Andrea Yetman. For our crocheters, check out the Everyday Cotton Cardigan by Ashleigh Kiser (which could be done in wool for a warmer, cozier sweater) or the Elevation Sweater by Grace forthefrills!

Accessories

If you’re looking for the perfect small project to use up those special skeins, but still keep you warm, we’ve got inspiration aplenty (we ran out of room!) Just one skein of DK and some linen stitch and you’ve got the Oddly Satisfying Cowl by Christine Long Derks. A soft skein of luscious fingering weight will make these pretty Alder Fingerless Mitts by Agnes Zombory. If you want to keep your toes toasty warm, check out the Sea Oats Socks by The Blue Mouse. If it’s a hat you’re after try the Gentle Waves Hat by Beatrice Alexander-Howden or step up your game with a bit of colorwork with the August Hat by Sara Solomon (and check out all the free patterns Year of Hats from Kelbourne Woolens has to offer - a new free hat pattern each month!) If you want a quick bulky knit with just a touch of lace try the Icy Waters Shawl by EweKnit Toronto. And if you want the perfect fall shawl, we love Siki Shawl by Dawn Henderson. For our crocheters we’ve got cowls and hats for you too! Check out Anemone by the Berroco Design Team and the Kyrie Slouch by Phanessa Fong!

Other

If you’re looking for a little something seasonal, we love the Little Rustic Pumpkin by Rebecca Langford. And if you want to try a bigger knit, how about a cozy blanket? You’re not too late to join the CAL (Crochet Along) for the Cactus Garden Blanket by Susan E. Kennedy. Or if you want to knit up a cozy blanket for game night check out Dance on the Breeze by Fifty Four Ten Studio (or any of their other free blanket patterns!)

Whatever you choose to craft this fall, we hope we’ve given you some inspiration to get started!

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